Summer Fun: Exploratory Friday

Earlier this summer my friend, Afua (a woman who loves DC), with some of her fun friends, decided to plan happy hours every Friday during the summer on open rooftops, unknown dive bars, dark speakeasies or any other fun place in DC.  The event was titled "Exploratory Fridays" (EF) and the idea was every Friday friends would gather at a place 'off the beaten path', unknown to many, and enjoy happy hour specials.

Usually I am on travel and not able to enjoy these fun Friday happy hours.  However, this past Friday I was here and wow did I enjoy!  It was a particularly special event as the group was celebrating two birthdays (Happy Birthday again Jahera and Lisa!).

Vinoteca

The group started at Vinoteca (1940 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001).  This was a great place to start!  Perfect weather meant having happy hour on their outside patio.  There was bar seating, high tables as well as two tables meant for groups.  Also, there is bocce ball for those who like to drink and play at the same time.  The happy hour offers $5 glasses of wine and sangria, $25 sangria pitchers, discounted beer and small plates.  Our favorite snack was the hand cut fries with pulled pork, cheese, and chives - DIVINE!  You absolutely must order 2 - 3 orders of the fries and request forks because your friends are going to want to also dive in (sharing is caring)!  The other great thing about this place was the DJ!  They put on a station which played hits by Whitney Houston, Boys II Men, Michael Jackson, Kris Kross, Salt n Peppa on and on and on ... My friend Afua and I were excited and kinda wanted to dance (running man, anyone?) ...

The fries ... oh the fries ...

Solly's Tavern

Happy hour at Vinoteca ended at 7pm but we were still thirsty and in a celebratory mood so we walked next door to Solly's Tavern (1942 11th St NW, Washington, DC 20001).  We did not eat at Solly's but we did enjoy a few drinks.  Their happy hour ends at 8pm ($3.50 selected beer and $5.50 selected alcohol) so we had another hour of spirited beverages and $10 worth of tipsy jukebox selections (I, of course, chose a classic mix of Prince and Bachata favorites).  I would imagine this is a neighborhood favorite as many of the patrons seemed to know the bartender and those sipping around them.  Pretty chill atmosphere and I like the idea of a jukebox.  I am looking forward to returning on a Thursday for Kostume Karaoke (http://www.kostumekaraokedc.com/).  This can be NOTHING but a GOOD TIME (who is down to join me?!). 

Den of Thieves

After Solly's Tavern we walked to Den of Thieves (2005 14th St NW Washington, DC 20009).  I really enjoyed Den of Thieves.  It is next door to Marvin and offers a great atmosphere with decent DJ.  Additionally (and deliciously) they offer a short menu with simple cocktails and Asian "street food" such as spring rolls and Korean style fried wings (OMG DELICIOUS!).  For libation I ordered a John Collins which I have not had in quite some time and was impressed. Overall, I would absolutely visit this place again.  I would recommend for group setting, happy hour or even an after dinner spot for drinks.

Finger lickin' good ... no, for real.  Delicious.

The spring rolls are pretty great too!

"Exploratory Fridays" has been an absolutely great idea to get to know DC!  I cannot be the only person guilty of never venturing out and having happy hour or dinner at only my favorite spots.  I encourage you during these last few weeks of summer, leading into the fall, to go out and find a new place for happy hour or dinner.  If you cannot think of anything immediately, why not try Vinoteca, Solly's Tavern or Den of Thieves?  Happy exploring!

Birthday Girl, Jahera, embraces a friend she has not seen
in almost 20 years.  EF, the friend reuniter.

New and old friends posing before going to the next EF destination.